‘Silence perpetuates violence’: NPA leads GBVF march, urges men to speak out

AS PART of the nationwide launch of the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children, men from the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) – including prosecutors and administrative staff – led a symbolic march from the Kimberley police station to the Kimberley Magistrate’s Court on November 25 to demonstrate their commitment to combating gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF).

NPA Northern Cape spokesperson Mojalefa Senokoatsane said the programme was co-ordinated by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) through the Sexual Offences and Community Affairs (SOCA) Unit, under the leadership of the provincial manager, advocate Mooketsi Molaudi.

“Silence perpetuates the culture of violence and harmful behaviour,” said Senokoatsane.

He urged all community stakeholders, especially men, to “speak out, step forward and stand up” with survivors of GBVF to ensure justice was served – and seen – throughout society.

“The Northern Cape march forms part of the national NPA programme running in all nine provinces, reaffirming the organisation’s leadership role in upholding the rule of law and advancing a society free from gender-based violence.”

Senokoatsane added that GBVF remained an urgent human rights challenge in the country.

“Men from the NPA and prosecutors joined their counterparts from the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development in an act of solidarity, to sign a national pledge affirming their personal and professional responsibility to actively lead the fight against GBVF and prosecute perpetrators. 

“The march underscored the NPA’s resolve that justice for victims is not only a legal mandate but a moral imperative to pursue harsh and appropriate sentences against perpetrators.”

He stated that the NPA had adopted a “victim-centric” approach through survivor-support programmes, including court preparation, victim empowerment initiatives and partnerships.

"Proactive community initiatives are aimed at preventing GBVF before it reaches the courtroom and ensuring that every prosecutor acts as a champion for dignity, safety, and justice," he said. 

Advocate Molaudi emphasised that the march demonstrated the commitment of NPA men to advocate for the protection and justice of women, children and the most vulnerable members of society.